This study analyzes the effect of the Project Based Learning (PjBL) model on the higher order cognitive learning outcomes (C4–C6) of class X MPK students at SMK Adhikawacana Surabaya in the Office Technology Equipment and Applications element. Method: This quasi experiment used a Nonequivalent Control Group Design involving 72 students selected through total sampling, divided into an experimental class and a control class of 36 students each. The instrument was a 20 item multiple choice test that met the requirements of validity, reliability (Cronbach's Alpha 0.948), difficulty level, and discriminating power. Data were analyzed using the independent sample t-test, paired sample t-test, and N-Gain test with SPSS 26. Results: The pretest obtained a significance of 0.888 (> 0.05), indicating equivalent initial abilities. The paired sample t-test showed an increase of 19.306 points in the experimental class and 7.917 points in the control class (Sig. 0.000). The posttest independent sample t-test obtained t = 4.233, a significance of 0.000 (< 0.05), and a mean difference of 10.972, so H0 was rejected. The experimental class N-Gain of 0.40 falls into the moderate category. PjBL therefore has a significant effect on learning outcomes, although the magnitude of the improvement is moderate. Novelty: This study tests PjBL integrated with authentic office technology projects and restricts measurement to the higher order cognitive domain (C4–C6), which has rarely been examined in Indonesian office management vocational education.
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